Samurai-born Jiu-jitsu (also Jujitsu) — meaning the "art of softness" or "the way of yielding" — is a high-contact sport that incorporates the best of judo martial arts practices, and usually emphasizes techniques like throwing, immobilizing and pinning, joint-locking, choking, and strangling (comparable to other martial arts systems, such as karate).

If you're interested in jiu-jitsu, or just looking for the motivation to take on a new activity to get your heart pumping and satisfy your competitive side, read on: This video features World Jiu-jitsu Championship master, Steven Olivier, and showcases the highlights from his various competitions and matches in the Valley. If you'd like to know more — or you think you're ready to learn the art of Jiu-jitsu, visit Newburgh's New York Martial Arts Gym Academy, where Olivier teaches.

And don't forget to check out Hudson Valley magazine's "Top of Their Game" (Jan. 2009) article, which features six amazing Valley athletes — including Steven Olivier.